The deal was approved by a vote of 120-5, with eight abstentions, following marathon talks that lasted more than a month amid wrangling over the composition of a commission that will choose the panel.

In a first step, a commission of 22 people will be set up, with its membership apportioned according to the representation of each party in the national assembly. That body, in turn, will choose the members of the electoral panel.

The commission will create a short list of 36 candidates, equally divided between men and women, from which the final nine will be chosen.

Tunisia, ruled by the Islamist Al Nahda party since the ouster almost two years ago of dictator Zine Al Abidine Bin Ali, is expected to hold elections next year to replace its current interim parliament.